This Gadget Freak review first looks at an affordable, plug-and-play printer that auto-levels and auto-calibrates. It is easy to use for beginners and also has expert settings for advanced users. Then we will look at a 3D printer that was hacked by a group of French design students to create real tattoos on a volunteer's skin.

We will keep the 3D printing theme rolling while we look at our Gadget Freak's analog camera that was created with 3D-printed and laser-cut parts. The gadget is a real camera -- with lens, shutter, sonar autofocus, and touch control. It is all controlled by a microcontroller.

(Source: M3D LLC)

First truly consumer 3D printer
3D printing will become a whole lot more affordable with the plug-and-play Micro 3D printer. Coined as "the first truly consumer 3D printer," this cube printer is 7.3 inches on each side, weighs a little over two pounds, and prints objects up to 4.6 inches in height. The reduced size and weight of the printer greatly reduces the power consumption compared to a professional 3D printer, which helps reduce the costs of components.

Created by M3D LLC of Maryland, their goal was to make a printer that was easy to use for beginners, but also customizable for advanced users. The Micro has a sensor and feedback system that is built into the print head to provide auto-leveling and auto-calibration, making it reliable with each use.

Just a USB port is needed to run the Micro 3D printer. It can be used out of the box. You just need to plug it in, create models, and print. MD3 software was created to be interactive and it is "fully touchscreen-capable with a minimalist and simple-to-use interface." The software allows you to find a model online, drag it to the printer, and print. You can also perform any adjustments to the model before you print. For advanced users, there are expert settings and other software such as open-source slicers available. The software can be used with any Mac, Windows, or Linux-based systems.

M3D's own filament spools, PLA, or ABS can be used, as well as standard 1.75-mm filament spools. The spools are fed inside the printer or an external filament access port on top of the extruder can be used.

Kickstarter reward fulfillment begins this August and runs to March 2015. Early backers were able to snag the printer and a filament spool for $199. For $299 you can still order a printer and filament spool with an estimated delivery date this December.

(Source: Instructables)

Hacked 3D printer creates real tattoos
A group of French design students hacked a 3D printer to create real tattoos. In October, the students from Ensci-Les Ateliers were asked to transform the way a form of digital media was used. In the eight hours they had to work, they hacked a 3D printer to trace on the skin using a pen in place of the extruder.

They decided to take it a step further to create real tattoos with ink on skin. With a borrowed tattoo machine and some artificial skin they were able to draw a circle. After the success of their test they found a volunteer to try out their new technique. They ran into issues when trying to tattoo the curved surface of the arm, but after some trial and error they found that using a scooter's inner tube to keep the skin tight while tattooing it appeared to be the best option.

A video of their volunteer being tattooed by the 3D printer, as well as the step-by-step build instructions, can be found on Instructables.

Vintage Gadget Freak: analog camera built from 3D-printed & laser-cut partsMarin Davide designed, built, and assembled an analog camera with laser-cut and 3D-printed parts. The gadget is a real camera -- with lens, shutter, sonar autofocus, and touch control. It is all controlled by a microcontroller.

The design is modular. Magnets hold the main parts together, providing easy opening and easy camera assembly. Photos can be taken on photosensible paper and then developed at home.

Do you have a Gadget Freak project you would like the world to see? Send a brief description of your gadget and a photo to Assistant Managing Editor Lauren Muskett.

Check out the Best of Gadget Freak -- Volume 2 Technology Roundup here to see some of the best gadgets that your peers have created.

@Cabe: I like your analogy. There was a lively discussion back in the 60s when Moog synthesizers were just becoming popular. Of course it is music and it is totally repeatable each time it is played. One arguement against the mechanical music was that it did not allow for artistic interpretation. I wonder how close orchestras today play classic works written by Beethoven, Motzart, and other great masters. Whereas that which is written as a computer sequence would be exactly the same each time it is played.

Another post in this thread states that art is in the eye of the beholder. I could not agree more. I am often shocked by what people have paid for Picasso while Norman Rockwell sells for much less. If someone told me that Picasso was generated by robots I would believe that, while Rockwell's work touches my heart in a way that could only done by another living breathing soul.

Erase them, now we're talking! I mean your not going to erase Mom, but maybe it's been a few years and Sara doesn't seem at important to you as say... Joe. Everybody loves Undo! Tattoos are a personal choice. I heard of one guy who had flames tattooed on his penis (while in prison). Not sure what that was about. I suppose if the ladies say "whoa, this is a four alarm fire" or something it is worth it but I am putting my money on Undo.

Art is a matter of perception. Whether it is applied by robot, or even generated by robot is irrelevant. Is fractal geometry, art ? It can be. Another aspect is: What does "designer" mean when talking about clothes, home furnishings etc. Everything is "designed" by someone. Just because the stuff is designed by a high profile "designer" shouldn't make it more valuable than anything that looks (to you) nice, and works well.

Tattoos have been around since well before humans could write, Almost every culture on earth has had them at one time or another, many still do. Whether they are desirable or not is a matter of opinion though, and everyone is free to choose and be happy or otherwise. At least, now, we can fairly readilly erase them.

Nice share Lauren. Yesterday, I myself was reading about this 3D printer that can ink tattoos. I am looking forward to more detailed 3D tattoos from this printer. Thumbs up to Pierre Emm for coming up with this device using his creativity. This will give the tattoos a whole new meaning and detail. This again proves the importance of the 3D printer's invention. I am sure there are many other ways this printer can be hacked to be used for a specific purpose, and in the near future people will certainly use their creativity to come up with such alterations and invent unique and surprisingly breathtaking devices.

Followers of Design News’ Gadget Freak blogs will have the opportunity next week to take home a wireless remote demo package that can be used to build garage door openers, tire pressure monitors, keyless entry systems, and much more.

The 2015 Gadget Freak of the Year goes to the DDV-IP -- or, a Drink Deliver Vehicle – Inverted Pendulum. The gadget is a two-wheeled self-balancing robot that can deliver cold beverages to thirsty folks on a hot summer day. A wireless RF remote enables manual control of the device beyond the act of self-balancing. All of the features of the DDV-IP result in an effective delivery vehicle while providing entertainment to the users.

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